South Korea
The Republic of Korea (South Korea) is a democracy that generally respects civil, political, and socio-economic rights, although significant human rights concerns persist. The government has inadequately addressed pervasive discrimination against women, lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) people, racial and ethnic minorities, and people with disabilities. Excessive restrictions also remain on freedom of expression, association, and peaceful assembly.
In 2020, the South Korean government implemented important public health measures to protect against the spread of Covid-19, but aspects of its response raised serious privacy rights concerns.
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Press FreedomThe draft amendments to the Press Arbitration Law, which are the latest example of that trend, will seriously impair the rights to freedom of expression, freedom of information and media freedom, and will discourage critical reporting by the media if passed in their current form.
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EducationSouth Korea has the opportunity to become a regional leader in LGBT rights by enacting anti-discrimination legislation and following international guidelines that will help all young people thrive.
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Press FreedomThe 4 undersigned organizations write to express serious concern about the proposed amendments to the Act on Press Arbitration and Remedy for Damages Caused by Press Reports (the “Press Arbitration Law”). As drafted, the proposed amendments would seriously impair freedom of expression, freedom of information and media freedom, and would discourage critical reporting by the media.
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The US-Korea Free Trade Agreement
Annex 22-B: A Missed Opportunity on Workers’ Rights in North Korea
News
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South Korea: Reject Amendments to Press Law
Proposed Amendments Threaten Media Freedom, Free Expression
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Once Bullied, LGBT South Koreans Advocate for Inclusion
Former Students Share Their Stories to Press for Change
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South Korea: LGBT Students Face Bullying, Discrimination
Isolation and Lack of Support Put Young People at Risk
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South Korea: Internet Sexual Images Ruin Women’s Lives
Government Response to Digital Sex Crimes Inadequate
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‘Family’ in South Korea Should Include Same-Sex Couples
Revise Laws to Recognize Diversity in Families
